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You are here: Home / Gear + Supplies / Wear The Best Tactical Watch With GPS, Compass, Alarm, Military + More
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Wear The Best Tactical Watch With GPS, Compass, Alarm, Military + More

Last updated on May 18, 2019 By Shawn Hansen Leave a Comment

Are you in the market for a good tactical watch—a watch that is loaded with important and very useful features? If so, the following information is for you.

Here we have very briefly reviewed several of the most popular, high-quality tactical watches currently on the market, highlighting the important features and functions of each watch. We have also included a Tactical Watch Buying Guide, in which we have outlined and explained the various features and characteristics you should look for when purchasing one of these watches.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you. Learn more here.

Content

  • Best Tactical Watches For The Money (2019)
  • Tactical Watch Buying Guide – What To Look For
    • Mil-Spec
    • Weight
    • Design
    • Durability
    • Keeping Time
    • Chronometer
    • Directional Technology and Compass
    • Backlight
  • Casio Men’s PRG-270 Pro Trek Watch
  • Luminox Men’s LM8822.MI Recon Point Black Watch
  • Casio G-Shock Rangeman Master Watch
  • Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Watch
  • Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Men’s Watch

Best Tactical Watches For The Money (2019)

#1 Value Pick
Casio Men's Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar Triple Sensor Multifunction Digital Sport Watch
Luminox Men's LM8822.MI Recon Point Black Watch
Over #1 Pick
Casio G-SHOCK RANGEMAN Solar-Assisted GPS Navigation GPR-B1000-1JR Mens Made in japan (JAPAN IMPORT)
Cheap Pick
Timex Men's TW4B03600 Expedition Gallatin Green/Black Nylon Slip-Thru Strap Watch
Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Mens Watch 3051.BLACKOUT
Casio Men's Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar Triple Sensor Multifunction Digital Sport Watch
Luminox Men's LM8822.MI Recon Point Black Watch
Casio G-SHOCK RANGEMAN Solar-Assisted GPS Navigation GPR-B1000-1JR Mens Made in japan (JAPAN IMPORT)
Timex Men's TW4B03600 Expedition Gallatin Green/Black Nylon Slip-Thru Strap Watch
Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Mens Watch 3051.BLACKOUT
$116.99
$299.99
$815.00
Price not available
$299.99
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Amazon
-
-
-
#1 Value Pick
Casio Men's Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar Triple Sensor Multifunction Digital Sport Watch
Casio Men's Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar Triple Sensor Multifunction Digital Sport Watch
$116.99
Buy at Amazon
Luminox Men's LM8822.MI Recon Point Black Watch
Luminox Men's LM8822.MI Recon Point Black Watch
$299.99
Buy at Amazon
-
Over #1 Pick
Casio G-SHOCK RANGEMAN Solar-Assisted GPS Navigation GPR-B1000-1JR Mens Made in japan (JAPAN IMPORT)
Casio G-SHOCK RANGEMAN Solar-Assisted GPS Navigation GPR-B1000-1JR Mens Made in japan (JAPAN IMPORT)
$815.00
Buy at Amazon
-
Cheap Pick
Timex Men's TW4B03600 Expedition Gallatin Green/Black Nylon Slip-Thru Strap Watch
Timex Men's TW4B03600 Expedition Gallatin Green/Black Nylon Slip-Thru Strap Watch
Price not available
Buy at Amazon
-
Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Mens Watch 3051.BLACKOUT
Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Mens Watch 3051.BLACKOUT
$299.99
Buy at Amazon

Last update on 2021-01-25 at 13:57 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tactical Watch Buying Guide – What To Look For

When purchasing a tactical watch there are many things you should look for before signing on the dotted line. Here we will take a look at some of the characteristics and features you should always look for when purchasing a tactical watch.

Mil-Spec

It can be easy to get confused when shopping for a tactical watch these days. After all, with millions of these timepieces from which to choose, how do you go about finding the one that is best suited for your needs and preferences. Well, the first thing you should look for in the description is known as “Mil-Spec.”

Mil-Spec is an abbreviation for military specifications. Thus, when a watch includes Mil-Spec in its description, you can usually be sure that the watch meets or sometimes exceeds the specs of a particular military branch. This also means the watch is probably of the highest quality and can be trusted.

Weight

How heavy is the watch you are considering purchasing? Keep in mind that if your tactical watch is too heavy on your wrist it will quickly become a burden to wear, especially when you need to wear it for prolonged periods of time, such as in a survival situation. Because of this, we recommend you select a tactical watch that is both lightweight and comfortable, while still possessing some of the features you would expect in this type of timepiece.

Design

How does your tactical watch look on your arm? Of course, if you are merely going to use the watch in survival or tactical situations, how it looks is probably the least of your concerns.

However, if you are going to wear it in social situations, as many people do, you will surely want a watch with a cool design. This, of course, is a matter of preference, but we recommend you select a tactical watch that you’d be proud to wear everywhere.

Durability

There are many features of a tactical watch that lend to its durability. For example, a water resistant watch will probably be able to survive normal water situations, as long as it is not actually submerged in the water for long periods of time.

You also want a watch that is shock resistant. This means it can absorb a pounding, as it might in a tactical situation, and go right on working.

Many tactical watches are made to withstand shocks, water damage, pressure, scratches and more, while still maintaining their functionality. This is the type of watch you are looking for. Remember, a watch that breaks when the going gets tough will do you no good when you need it the most.

Keeping Time

It goes without saying that a good tactical watch should be able to keep good time in addition to the other functions it offers. A high-quality tactical watch is designed to be as precise as possible, with the ability to maintain that precision over long periods of time.

Of course, tactical watches come in two forms, both analog and digital. Digital watches can help you get some precise numerical values, but analogs tend to be a better match for those with tighter schedules.

Luckily, you can find tactical watches that come in both forms. Also, the Atomic-6 timekeeping feature in some tactical watches allows them to self-adjust to the local time based on your location. It does this by utilizing six global transmitters that feed it information as you move. This can be extremely helpful if you travel a lot with your watch.

Chronometer

An exact measure of time is often needed in order to execute certain tactical tasks or objectives. If you think this is something you will need than you should definitely look for a tactical watch with a good chronometer. A quality chronometer can not only be used for navigational purposes, it also possesses anti-magnetic properties and adjustment knobs that can help make the watch as precise as can be. This feature, however, is only available in those watches made in the digital format.

Directional Technology and Compass

Most tactical and survival watches will have a built-in compass—a navigational tool that can come in very handy. An integrated compass will provide information on your current location, and show you the direction in which you need to head next.

If you plan to use your tactical watch on the water a built-in compass is essential, and survival experts will tell you that a compass can often be the difference between life and death. However, the benefits don’t just apply to maritime situations and survival scenarios. Hiking trips, backpacking or just exploring the city can be made much easier with a great integrated compass on your arm.

In the lion share of tactical watches, compass and directional data is displayed in a digital format, and the magnetic sensors will allow you to automatically track the direction of your movements. You might also want to look for a tactical watch that possesses triple sensor technology. In these watches, the triple sensor technology includes a compass; altitude and atmospheric barometer; and a thermometer.

Backlight

Finally, the backlight on your tactical watch will allow you see the time and all of your other functions after the sun has gone down. There can be no question that this backlight feature is one of the most important features of a tactical watch—allowing you to see the watch in even the darkest of places. Most backlit watches use tritium luminescent and your arm movements to tell the watch when to light up—a definite plus when your hands are otherwise occupied.

Casio Men’s PRG-270 Pro Trek Watch

With two types of power—a rechargeable battery that can last up to 9 months on a single charge, and solar power—the Casio Men’s PRG-270 Pro Trek Watch is one of the most reliable precision timepieces in this category.

Casio Men's Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar Triple Sensor Multifunction Digital Sport Watch

Check Price at Amazon

The watch is water resistant up to 100 meters and temperature resistant, and boasts an incredible accuracy ratio of plus or minus 15 seconds per month. The full automatic calendar on the watch is pre-programmed through the year 2099, and the five separate alarms will always keep you on time for every appointment.

With features like full LED backlight, barometer and thermometer display, and an integrated compass, the Casio Men’s PRG-270 Pro Trek Watch is a must for the tactical wearer.

Luminox Men’s LM8822.MI Recon Point Black Watch

The Luminox Men’s LM8822.MI Recon Point Black Tactical Watch has all the features and functions one would expect in a watch such as this, including directional triple sensor technology, precision chronometer, several alarms and more.

Luminox Men's LM8822.MI Recon Point Black Watch

Check Price at Amazon

Because of these functions and features, Luminox watches such as these are worn proudly by the United States Navy Seals and U.S. Air Force. What truly sets this watch apart from the competition is its glow-in-the-dark capability.

Every Luminox watch uses a self-powered system of illumination powered by very small gas lights (borosilicate glass capsules). These allow the watch to glow continuously for 25 years while having a much brighter illumination system.

Casio G-Shock Rangeman Master Watch

The product of one man’s dream to create a watch that would never break, the Casio G-Shock Rangeman Master is truly a watch for the ages. It’s been 30 years since that CASIO engineer won the battle against the laws of nature, and this watch is still going strong.

Casio G-SHOCK RANGEMAN Solar-Assisted GPS Navigation GPR-B1000-1JR Mens Made in japan (JAPAN IMPORT)

Check Price at Amazon

These G-Shock watches are synonymous with durability—a watch that can literally resist centrifugal and impact forces, as well as high water pressure. G-SHOCK watches are the most durable digital and analog-digital watches in the industry, trusted and worn proudly by military personnel, law enforcement, surfers and outdoor enthusiasts around the world. In addition to its amazing durability, the G-Shock Rangeman Master also boats an incredible design, making it highly respected in fashion circles the world over.

Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Watch

Thanks to its lightweight and rugged resin outdoor construction, the  Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Watch has found popularity among those who need a tough watch for tough times.

Timex Men's Expedition Gallatin Watch

Check Price at Amazon

The watch is water resistant and includes a number of durable tools, such as a navigational compass, full calendar and precise chronometer. The Indiglo backlight technology built into the  Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Watch has revolutionized the way people tell time in the dark, and the green, double-layer nylon slip strap makes the watch exceedingly comfortable to wear.

Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Men’s Watch

Capable of surviving water depths up to 200 meters, the Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Men’s Watch is the first and last watch a diver would ever need.

Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Mens Watch 3051.BLACKOUT

Check Price at Amazon

In addition, the watch can produce light even in the darkest of blackouts; Luminox watches need no external light source to “charge” the point on the dial or the hands in order for them to glow, something that cannot be said of other conventional luminous watches.

The lightweight all-black design of the Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Men’s Watch makes it ideal for nighttime missions when camouflage is a must, and its durable case is both scratch and shock resistant.

#1 Value Pick
Casio Men's Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar Triple Sensor Multifunction Digital Sport Watch
Luminox Men's LM8822.MI Recon Point Black Watch
Over #1 Pick
Casio G-SHOCK RANGEMAN Solar-Assisted GPS Navigation GPR-B1000-1JR Mens Made in japan (JAPAN IMPORT)
Cheap Pick
Timex Men's TW4B03600 Expedition Gallatin Green/Black Nylon Slip-Thru Strap Watch
Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Mens Watch 3051.BLACKOUT
Casio Men's Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar Triple Sensor Multifunction Digital Sport Watch
Luminox Men's LM8822.MI Recon Point Black Watch
Casio G-SHOCK RANGEMAN Solar-Assisted GPS Navigation GPR-B1000-1JR Mens Made in japan (JAPAN IMPORT)
Timex Men's TW4B03600 Expedition Gallatin Green/Black Nylon Slip-Thru Strap Watch
Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Mens Watch 3051.BLACKOUT
$116.99
$299.99
$815.00
Price not available
$299.99
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Amazon
-
-
-
#1 Value Pick
Casio Men's Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar Triple Sensor Multifunction Digital Sport Watch
Casio Men's Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar Triple Sensor Multifunction Digital Sport Watch
$116.99
Buy at Amazon
Luminox Men's LM8822.MI Recon Point Black Watch
Luminox Men's LM8822.MI Recon Point Black Watch
$299.99
Buy at Amazon
-
Over #1 Pick
Casio G-SHOCK RANGEMAN Solar-Assisted GPS Navigation GPR-B1000-1JR Mens Made in japan (JAPAN IMPORT)
Casio G-SHOCK RANGEMAN Solar-Assisted GPS Navigation GPR-B1000-1JR Mens Made in japan (JAPAN IMPORT)
$815.00
Buy at Amazon
-
Cheap Pick
Timex Men's TW4B03600 Expedition Gallatin Green/Black Nylon Slip-Thru Strap Watch
Timex Men's TW4B03600 Expedition Gallatin Green/Black Nylon Slip-Thru Strap Watch
Price not available
Buy at Amazon
-
Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Mens Watch 3051.BLACKOUT
Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout Mens Watch 3051.BLACKOUT
$299.99
Buy at Amazon

Last update on 2021-01-25 at 13:57 / Affiliate disclosure / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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